Campaigners want an immediate price freeze on energy bills, an end to late payment fees by the big energy companies and an end to prepayment meters

Campaigners from across Scotland will join forces on Friday for a protest outside Ofgem’s Glasgow offices, demanding action to tackle astronomical rises to household bills. 

As Ofgem announces the new energy price cap, the Power To The People campaign - representing politicians, academics and campaigners from across Scotland - will join in the city, calling for an immediate price freeze on energy bills, an end to late payment fees by the big energy companies and an end to prepayment meters. 

Last week, new research showed that 72% of Scottish households are expected to be living in fuel poverty by January 2023. 

Two weeks ago, hundreds of people took Power To The People’s demands to the doors of Scottish Power HQ. Days later, Scottish Power’s CEO joined growing calls for an energy price freeze. 

Three Power To The People committees have been established so far in Glasgow, Liverpool and Dundee with the intention to create many more across the UK.

Power to the People is a non-partisan campaign, bringing together academics, researchers, councillors, former MSPs and representatives from the climate movement. 

Those behind the protest have called on the public in Glasgow and across Scotland to come together and challenge the UK Government and companies charging through the nose for bills as the cost of living crisis mounts. 

Glasgow Labour councillor, Matt Kerr, commented: “This increase could be stopped tomorrow - it’s within the government’s gift - they have 35 days to get off their backsides and do their jobs. 

"Forcing millions of people into fuel poverty is a political choice - if those in power at all levels refuse to act, they need to get out of the way or reap the whirlwind.”

Former MSP, Frances Curran, added: “This is the second protest we have organised to demand an energy price freeze. We have given them fair warning that half of the families in this country can’t pay their bills. Our government and the energy companies are walking into a future where they face mass non-payment by default. 

"There is more wealth in this country than at any time in history. A price freeze or mass protest. It’s the government’s move.”

Power to the People will rally outside Ofgem’s Glasgow Offices at 4 pm on August 26, at 32 Albion Street, Glasgow, G1.